Label-free Immunoassay-Based Assessment for Chromate Exposure

ABSTRACT: Chromium is one of the most widely used industrial metals. Several million workers worldwide are estimated to be exposed to chromium compounds in a variety of industries, including electroplating, welding, and chromate painting. Hexavalent chromium (a.k.a., chromate or Cr(VI)) via inhalation exposure is known to be carcinogenic in humans, resulting in an increased risk of lung cancer. Concentrations of total chromium (Cr(III) and Cr(VI)) in blood, serum and urine have long been used to monitor environmentally or occupationally exposed populations. However, total Cr concentration does not indicate chromate exposure. Currently, there are no known physiological tests to determine the exposure to chromate. Lynntech proposes to address this unmet medical need through the development of a physiological testing system using an innovative immunoassay-based platform to quantifiably determine the workplace exposure of the human body to chromate using physiological markers. This system does not require an interference-prone colorimetric device or labeling agents. Also, the proposed assay is specific for chromate exposure, independent of other valences of chromium. During the Phase I, Lynntech determined relevant physiological markers of exposure to chromate and demonstrated the feasibility of the testing system. During the Phase II, a breadboard system will be designed, fabricated, tested, and demonstrated. BENEFIT: Lynntechs physiological testing system to quantifiably determine exposure of the human body to hexavalent Chrome (Cr(VI) has significant commercialization potential in both the federal government and private industries. Military applications include determination of exposure of personnel to chromate and mitigation of exposure effects to personnel screening. Civilian applications include screening/confirmation of individuals, as well as industrial personnel and agricultural workers that have been exposed to chromate.